Abstract

Rapid repair of damaged or deteriorated concrete bridge components will prevent the entire bridge from suffering irreversible damage in the future due to gradual spalling of concrete or corrosion of exposed steel. CFRP laminates and fabrics have become popular for repairing and strengthening of concrete girders. A series of CFRP materials — branded CatStrong — specifically designed for the repair and retrofit of bridges was developed at the Kentucky Transportation Center and the University of Kentucky. These materials include the CFRP Rod Panels (CatStrong CRPs), Unidirectional and Triaxial Carbon Fabric (CatStrong UCF and TCF), and Triaxial Carbon Wrap (CatStrong TCW).

This study documented the implementation of CFRP materials to rapidly repair/strengthen six bridges in Kentucky. Three of the retrofit projects utilized CatStrong CRPs for strengthening reinforced concrete bridge girders. Because the CRPs have modular construction, they can easily be applied by a by a single worker, eliminating the need for extensive scaffolding/access equipment and a large work force. As such, the construction costs related to panel application is less than those for other retrofit measures. CatStrong TCW, combined with CatStrong TCF, was deployed for the repair and strengthening of deteriorated timber piles. The remaining two projects involved the use of CatStrong UCF and TCF for strengthening cracked prestressed concrete girder ends and strengthening a cracked bridge pier cap. Each bridge retrofit project was carried out by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet bridge maintenance crews. The crews were trained on the use and application of the new material. Design and construction specifications for the CatStrong CRPs were also developed as part of the study. This study will implement these new CFRP materials to rapidly repair/strengthen six selected bridges in Kentucky. Three of the retrofit projects utilized CatStrong CRPs for strengthening Reinforced Concrete (RC) bridge girders. The modular construction of the CRPs allows for easy application by a single worker without the need for extensive scaffolding/access equipment and a large work force. Consequently, application of the panels reduces construction costs when compared with other FRP retrofit measures. The CatStrong TCW, combined with CatStrong TCF, was deployed for the repair and strengthening of deteriorated timber piles. The remaining two projects involved the use of CatStrong UCF and TCF for strengthening cracked Prestressed Concrete (PC) girder ends and strengthening a cracked bridge pier cap. Each bridge retrofit project was carried out by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) bridge maintenance crew of the respective KYTC district. The crews were trained on the use and application of the new material. Design and Construction Specifications for the CatStrong CRPs were also developed as part of the study.

Report Date

7-2019

Report Number

KTC-19-07/SPR13-465-1F

Digital Object Identifier

https://doi.org/10.13023/ktc.rr.2019.07

Notes

© 2018 University of Kentucky, Kentucky Transportation Center

Information may not be used, reproduced, or republished without KTC’s written consent.

The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the University of Kentucky, the Kentucky Transportation Center, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the United States Department of Transportation, or the Federal Highway Administration. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. The inclusion of manufacturer names or trade names is for identification purposes and should not be considered an endorsement.

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